Play Sand and Dusting Crickets

[SoCuteBeardie]

I've been reading in care sheets, that play sand is best. Where I'm getting my dragon, they are telling me that play sand is not good because it can bind my dragon. Is this true? I don't want to use contact paper, or paper towel, so I was think play sand or reptile carpet. What would be better? Also I've read that to much calcium also can bind your dragon, so if I use a cricket food that has calcium in it, would that be ok or should I still dust the crickets?

 

[Catalyst]

The safest option, especially for young dragons, is to use a solid substrate - paper towels, nonadhesive shelf liner, reptile carpet, textured ceramic or slate tiles are all good choices.

You don't really want to use a calcium rich diet for your crickets because it will shorten the bugs' lifespan and can cause die offs. Its best to wait and dust the crickets with calcium right before you feed them to your dragon.

 

[vickson420]

I have to agree suprisingly the pet store is giving you the correct advice in regards to the substrate.Solid is the way to go.

 

[xbryghtleax]

Hi, Here's my best advice for substrates.
For young dragons, I use some non adhesive shelf liner. You can get this at Target or WalMart. I like this best because: It's super easy to clean (and young beardies poo alot); it provides a bit of cushion for adventurous young BDs who like to jump from the tops of basking spots, plants, ect.; it comes in a neat tan color that looks great in the viv; it is easily cut to fit whatever size enclosure you have and it's cheap.

Playsand should really only be used for adult dragons over 10 inches in length. There is always risk of impaction. If you do use playsand, I recommend washing it with clean hot water thru a sifter to cut down dust. You can bake it after washing it to ensure all moisture is gone, this will also sterilize it.

A piece of slate or rough tile in your viv will naturally help keep claws manageable too. I clip nails on my larger dragon though.

For the crix, just throw a couple pieces of raw potato and a bit of whatever your salad of the day is.